Jewish Groups Plan Probe of Charges of Anti-semitism at Rutgers; Trustees Make Denials

A resolution pledging support to a movement for a more thorough investigation of the charges alleging discrimination against Jewish applicants for admission to Rutgers University was adopted here last night at a special meeting of the executive committee of the New Jersey branch of the American Jewish Congress, held in the law office of Judge Joseph Siegler, who heads the latter body.

The resolution also summons organizations of a statewide and national character to send representatives to a conference at which joint action will be planned. Such a conference, it is learned, will be held in Newark next week with the following organizations invited: American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress, B’nai B’rith, Independent Order Brith Sholom, Independent Order Brith Abraham, Council of Jewish Women and the Rabbinical Association of New Jersey.

TO DETERMINE STATUS

A second resolution adopted at the meeting calls for a representative committee to ascertain the legal relationship between Rutgers and the state of New Jersey; which schools are endowed, and whether the University has continually represented itself as a state institution.

The call for a conference means in effect that the investigation already initiated by the Brith Sholom may either be called off, or the findings of its investigating committee may be merged in the report of inquiry that is to be conducted through the concerted action of the afore-mentioned groups.

In interviews last night with L. F. Loree of West Orange, and Dr. William B. Gourley of Patterson, both of whom are members of the University board of trustees, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency was informed that they “have no knowledge” of any discrimination. Dr. Gourley termed the charges “perfect nonsense” and asserted furthermore, that in

nearly a decade’s service on the board he “has never heard anything of the kind.”

KASS REVIEWS CHARGES

Julius Kass, Perth Amboy attorney and Rutgers alumnus, who brought the original charges of discrimination against his Alma Mater in a statement made public through the Jewish Telegraphic Agency last week, was also present at the meeting. He gave a specific review of incidents which caused him to challenge the Rutgers policy of admission of students.

Asked to comment on the denial of Dean Metzger concerning Mr. Kass’ charges the latter said “I charged that the University was accepting students on a basis other than scholarship. Instead of producing University records to refute this claim, Dean Metzger replies ‘all applicants for admission must meet certain requirements. The questionnaire is the same for all.’

“What we are interested in knowing is what are these ‘certain requirements.’ Has a Jewish student the opportunity of complying with them as his non-Jewish friend? We should also like to hear more from the University officials concerning their status as a state university.

“Registrar Martin and Dean Metzger, in their conference with me, emphasized the fact that the Board of Trustees consider Rutgers to be a private institution and not a State University, and that they could, therefore, reject or accept any student they saw fit. On what basis did Rutgers receive almost a million dollars of the taxpayers’ money last year? The State Constitution specifically prohibits appropriation of money by the State to a private institution.

“Rutgers cannot remain a State University when in search of State funds and become a private institution when Jewish students seek admittance.”